Missouri State University football player Todric McGee passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 21 years old from what authorities suspect was an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to officials.
Springfield Police Department officers responded to a wellness check at McGee’s residence, located near the university in Missouri, on Friday morning. Upon their arrival, McGee was found with what police described as a “possible accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound,” authorities reported.
Cris Swaters, spokesperson for the Springfield Police Department, confirmed McGee was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Despite medical intervention, he died from his injuries early Saturday.
“He was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, where he later died. This is an active investigation,” Swaters stated in an email.
McGee was a prominent safety for the Missouri State Bears and was entering his fifth season with the team. He served as the team’s starting safety during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, earning All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors in 2023.
The promising 2024 season was curtailed after McGee sustained an injury during the fifth game of the year. Despite this, he was expected to be a central player for the Bears in the upcoming 2025 season.
Missouri State University announced McGee’s death on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the young athlete.
Ryan Beard, head coach of the Missouri State football team, stated that the team was profoundly affected by the incident. “Our football family is in shock and in mourning at the loss of Todric,” Beard said in a statement.
The coach requested privacy for both McGee’s family and the football team during this challenging time, asking people to join in prayers for Todric and his loved ones.
Patrick Ransdell, Missouri State’s Director of Athletics, stated that the incident had a profound impact on the football program. He noted the incident had “shaken our football program to the core,” and expressed condolences to McGee’s family, friends, and teammates.
The university has provided grief counseling services immediately for student-athletes and staff members affected by the loss.
McGee hailed from Wichita, Kansas, and was a graduate of Wichita Northwest High School, where he had been an all-state defensive back and team captain. During his high school career, he received offers from several institutions including Army, Air Force, and Southeast Missouri, but ultimately chose Missouri State University.
At Missouri State, McGee was majoring in exercise and movement science while playing a significant role in the university’s football program.
Following the news of his death, Wichita Northwest High School honored their former student. School representatives described McGee as an “amazing young man with a heart of gold,” highlighting his impact both on and off the field.
McGee is survived by his parents, brother, and sister, as stated by the university.
Local authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, although preliminary reports suggest it was accidental. The Springfield Police Department has classified this as an active investigation.
The Missouri State community has come together in support of McGee’s family and teammates as they begin the healing process. His contributions to the football program and presence on campus left a significant impact on those who knew him during his time at the university.
McGee’s death represents a substantial loss for the Missouri State football program as they prepare for the upcoming season. He was expected to be a key player for the Bears in 2025, having established himself as a reliable defensive back during his previous seasons with the team.
The university’s statement confirmed that McGee had been with the Missouri State football program for five seasons and had developed into one of the team’s most valued players. His athletic achievements and personal character are remembered fondly by those who knew him.
